How fast water damage adds up you need a plan

Burst line math:

A fully open residential supply line can release ~10–15 gallons per minute at typical household pressure. Using the conservative high end:

14 gallons in 1 minute

70 gallons in 5 minutes

140 gallons in 10 minutes

840 gallons in 60 minutes

For context, water weighs 8.34 lb per gallon. Ten minutes at 14 gpm is ~1,168 pounds of water pouring into your home. That’s why knowing exactly where your main shut-off is—and being able to close it in seconds - matters.

Under-vanity leaks (the quiet threat):

Not every leak is dramatic. A slow drip under a vanity sink or a loose P-trap can run for days before anyone notices. By the time stains appear on the cabinet floor, you may already be dealing with warped wood or odor issues.

Simple protections that actually help:

Under-sink cabinet mat:

Place a water-resistant tray or mat in bathroom and kitchen sink bases. It helps contain small leaks and product spills, keeps the cabinet floor cleaner, and makes moisture easier to spot during routine checks. You can find products for cabinet protection at Xtreme Mats.

Water sensor on the mat:

Add a basic battery water sensor (audible alarm or smart model) on top of the mat. If a leak starts, you get an immediate alert - often before damage spreads beyond the cabinet.

Practice the shut-off drill:

Make sure every household member can reach and operate the house/main valve. In a burst line event, each minute can mean another ~14+ gallons added to the problem depending on your pressure - seconds count.